When the author turned 16, they planned their own Sweet 16 party by finding a venue, designing the food and drink menu, coordinating with vendors for DJ and decorations, and staying within a strict budget. They chose a pink and green beach theme and centered the party around this idea from the invitations to the linens. Special features included a handmade wooden surfboard sign-in board with the author's name and centerpieces with wooden flip-flop photo frames of friends surrounded by sand-filled tin pails with shells and candles. Both the author and guests enjoyed the successful event.